WhatsApp messenger has introduced a bunch of new features, including the ability to mute individual users during group calls. This feature will prove itself useful if someone forgets to mute themselves or if several people talk in the same room, creating an echo effect.
Some new features for group calls on @WhatsApp: You can now mute or message specific people on a call (great if someone forgets to mute themselves!), and we've added a helpful indicator so you can more easily see when more people join large calls. pic.twitter.com/fxAUCAzrsy
— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) June 16, 2022
Other popular video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams offer similar functionality where hosts can mute all or specific participants, but WhatsApp now allows any participant of the group call to mute whoever they want.
The messenger also lets WhatsApp users send messages to specific people during group calls. This way, they can, for instance, make a note to someone during a meeting or share a joke that might not resonate with the entire group. Finally, WhatsApp is also introducing a new banner that notifies you when someone new joins the call after it has already started.
Bradley Rhodes
Not only has WhatsApp enhanced how group calls work, but it has also worked on privacy. The company announced that users can now choose which contacts will see their profile picture, about, and last seen status. This can help keep your profile private from contacts you don't want to have access to this information 24/7.